Finals Tips from Academic Coaches
Photo by Miranda Duarte
How to stay motivated and ace your finals this semester.
As spring finals approach, it is normal to feel overwhelmed. To help students stay motivated and finish the semester strong, Academic Coaches Carrie Hang and Samira Henderson shared expert advice on managing stress, building good habits, and pushing through when things get tough. Academic coaches work with students one-on-one to support their personal, academic, and career goals. Through meaningful conversations, they help students strengthen their time management, organization, study skills, motivation, and connection to campus resources.
One of the biggest challenges students face is last-minute cramming. According to them, “cramming is often a result of procrastination, creating a cycle of avoidance, anxiety, and more avoidance.” The best way to break this cycle is by breaking assignments and studying into bite-sized chunks and creating a plan. “Doing a little at a time saves energy, improves long-term memory, and makes tasks feel less overwhelming.” Treating small steps like mini-accomplishments can make even the biggest projects feel manageable.
For students who are feeling burned out or unmotivated, they emphasized the importance of identifying the underlying causes of those emotions. Whether it is exhaustion, stress, or feeling overwhelmed, addressing the root of the problem can help. It is also essential to work in small sessions and allow time for rest and recovery. To make studying feel less like a chore, they suggested pairing it with something enjoyable — “listening to a favorite playlist, sipping a favorite drink, or even fitting lectures into a walk or gym session.” Small pleasures can make a big difference in motivation.
Sleep, too, is crucial for doing well. Although it might feel like pulling an all-nighter is necessary, they reminded us that no one ever regrets a good night’s sleep, but many regret staying up all night. “Sleep helps you function at your best by sharpening focus and memory, so it’s worth protecting — especially during finals.”
Another important tip is to create a study environment that supports focus. “Studying in a space usually reserved for relaxation, like a bed, can sabotage concentration. Instead, students should find a spot with minimal distractions, whether that’s a quiet library, a lively coffee shop, or a space with a whiteboard for visual learners.” It is all about trial and error to discover what works best. As for studying with others, it depends on your learning style. If you are easily distracted in groups, solo-studying might be better. But if hearing others explain concepts helps, a study group could be the right fit.
When students feel like they have already fallen behind, it is easy to lose motivation. However, they encouraged students to reframe their mindset by asking themselves, “Will I regret working on this for the next 30 minutes?” In most cases, students do not regret putting in the effort — they regret not starting. There is a finish line ahead, and it is important to keep moving toward it, even if progress feels slow some days.
Finally, to build habits that last beyond finals, they recommended “habit stacking” — attaching a new, small habit to an existing one. “For instance, checking assignment deadlines while brushing your teeth can become second nature over time.” Starting with small, low-effort changes helps make new habits stick, leading to better organization and success throughout the semester.
Spring finals can be tough, but with the right strategies and a supportive mindset, students can stay motivated, do their best work, and finish the semester on a high note. And remember, academic coaches are always available to help guide students on their educational journey. Good Luck!